Objective: To investigate the pulmonary function in severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) patients during the convalescent period.
Methods: Followup 89 outpatients of SARS. The follow-up study included interview, physical examination, and pulmonary function test.
Results: The interval between hospital discharge and functional assessment was 1.75 +/- 0.53 months (0.5-3.4 months). Mild to moderate abnormalities in pulmonary function were found in 48 patients (53.9%). Diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco) was impaired in 38 patients (42.7%); in 7 patients (7.9%), lung function was restrictive defect combined DLco impairment; Other patterns of impairment were revealed in 3 patient. Dyspnea during acute phase and CT during the convalescent period were found to have significant influences on DLco and total lung capacity (TLC).
Conclusions: Diffusing capacity impairment as well as restrictive defect persist in convalescence SARS.